Autogiros are aircraft that are lifted into the air by rotating vertical blades or rotors rather than by fixed wings. The spelling of this word is pronounced as "aw-tuh-jeer-oh," with the emphasis on the second syllable. The phonetic transcription of this word in IPA format is /ˈɔːtəʊdʒɪərəʊ/, which represents the sound of each letter in the word. Autogiros were once popular in aviation but are now mostly used for rescue missions and research purposes.
Autogiros, also known as autogyros, are rotorcraft vehicles that combine features of airplanes and helicopters. These aircraft are characterized by a large horizontally mounted main rotor, which provides lift, and a smaller propeller located at the rear of the fuselage, called the pusher propeller, which provides forward thrust.
The main rotor of an autogiro is not powered by an engine, as in a helicopter, but rather spins freely due to the forward movement of the aircraft through the air. This rotational movement generates lift, allowing the autogiro to achieve vertical takeoff and landing capabilities like a helicopter. However, unlike helicopters, autogiros cannot hover in mid-air and require some forward airspeed to maintain flight.
Autogiros are typically equipped with fixed wings, similar to those found on airplanes, which contribute to their stability and control during forward flight. This combination of features allows autogiros to operate efficiently and safely at low speeds, making them suitable for various applications such as aerial observation, surveillance, and recreational flying.
The concept of autogiros was pioneered by Spanish engineer Juan de la Cierva in the 1920s. Although their popularity declined with the advent of helicopters, autogiros are still used today in certain specialized roles where their unique characteristics offer advantages over other aircraft types.
The word "autogiros" is derived from a combination of two terms: "auto-" and "giros".
1. "Auto-" comes from the Ancient Greek prefix "αὐτός" (autos), meaning "self" or "own". It is often used to convey the idea of something being automatic or self-propelled. This prefix is commonly found in words like "automobile" (self-moving vehicle), "automatic" (operating by itself), or "autopilot" (a system that controls an aircraft without direct human intervention).
2. "Giros" is a shortened form of the Spanish word "giroplano", which translates to "gyroplane" in English. "Giroplano" is a blend of "gira" (rotation) and "plano" (plane or wing).